Harrah's Helps Problem Gamblers

[Greymalkin]

Casinos in Nevada and many other states are required by law to post problem gambling hotline numbers, offer self-help pamphlets and educate casino workers about warning signs. Harrah's also allows gamblers to sign up on a "self-exclusion" list that applies to all of its casinos nationwide. These efforts, which acknowledge problem gambling as a legitimate mental health disorder similar to alcoholism, require gamblers to take the first step themselves.

The Harrah's program is different, experts say, because it requires workers such as dealers and cashiers to notify a manager if they believe a person has a gambling problem. The manager then calls the "ambassador" on duty to handle the touchy task of sitting down with the customer.


Link to complete story: http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/...ntentID=160709

[najdoyza]

YEAH, sure - but at the same time Harrahs Entertainment group donated over $50,000 to Sen. Frists last campaign and their stock tripled after he slammed the internet gambling bill through. That's just a propoganda article designed to make you feel better that people have to go to a brick and mortar casino instead of being able to play in the comfort of their own home. It means nothing. They'll report a problem gambler the same time they stop serving alcohol to a drunk one - when hell freezes over!

[PokerPrincess_Sandy]

Yeah najdoyza I agree with you. If it is left up to the dealers there won't be much reporting that's for sure. These casinos want money and why would they turn around and stop someone.

The addicted gambler, unfortunately, has to want to quit himself just as an alcoholic does. If they don't want it then it won't happen.

[Solomon]

Sadly, I have to agree. It's all about the public relations angle. Still, it was an interesting article. Thanks for posting that, Greymalkin.

[goldgoose]

Casinos in Nevada and many other states are required by law to post problem gambling hotline numbers, offer self-help pamphlets and educate casino workers about warning signs. Harrah's also allows gamblers to sign up on a "self-exclusion" list that applies to all of its casinos nationwide. These efforts, which acknowledge problem gambling as a legitimate mental health disorder similar to alcoholism, require gamblers to take the first step themselves.

The Harrah's program is different, experts say, because it requires workers such as dealers and cashiers to notify a manager if they believe a person has a gambling problem. The manager then calls the "ambassador" on duty to handle the touchy task of sitting down with the customer.


Link to complete story: http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/...ntentID=160709

I was surprised to read this. It would only work if gambling was restricted to bricks and mortar casinos and if all the casinos did it. Fat chance.
Drunks can always find a bar to serve them on credit, and addicts can always do whatever they need to to get a fix.
How would the warning signs evince themselves? losing hands? Tremors?
Anxiety? Anti-gambling medication?
I like the idea of self exclusion list.

But will this mean cigarattes are next?
Will McDonalds stop super sizing for obese people?
Fat chance indeed.

[svprocessing@yahoo.com]

I was surprised to read this. It would only work if gambling was restricted to bricks and mortar casinos and if all the casinos did it. Fat chance.
Drunks can always find a bar to serve them on credit, and addicts can always do whatever they need to to get a fix.
How would the warning signs evince themselves? losing hands? Tremors?
Anxiety? Anti-gambling medication?
I like the idea of self exclusion list.

But will this mean cigarattes are next?
Will McDonalds stop super sizing for obese people?
Fat chance indeed.

LOL!!!

I did see something interesting along these lines this past week at Harrahs in San Diego, while playing quarter slots there. This woman, who I see there quite often was sitting playing 2 machines at once. She looked like a Zombie. I have talked with her before and she once told me that she owns a Liquor Store and a Bar, so Im sure she does well money wise. However, she told me that her Husband has no idea she gambles and she had lost over 60k so far this year on slots.
Anyway, I sat down to play next to her and right away a Casino Host came over and was talking to her very softly. All I could really make out was that she had set up 2 rooms for her and her sister, so they could go get some rest. The Casino Host was sort of patting her on the back and speaking very softly to her. They left and I went to play the machine she was on (being the opportunist that I am, and noticed she had left her players card in the machine. Just THAT day, she had racked up almost 2,000 points!!!! She had over 100,000 total. This woman had obviously been there all day, and perhaps wasnt doing so well. I had never seen a Casino Host basically STOP a player from playing by suggesting they "get some sleep" and something to eat. It was weird.

[Solomon]

LOL!!!

I did see something interesting along these lines this past week at Harrahs in San Diego, while playing quarter slots there. This woman, who I see there quite often was sitting playing 2 machines at once. She looked like a Zombie. I have talked with her before and she once told me that she owns a Liquor Store and a Bar, so Im sure she does well money wise. However, she told me that her Husband has no idea she gambles and she had lost over 60k so far this year on slots.
Anyway, I sat down to play next to her and right away a Casino Host came over and was talking to her very softly. All I could really make out was that she had set up 2 rooms for her and her sister, so they could go get some rest. The Casino Host was sort of patting her on the back and speaking very softly to her. They left and I went to play the machine she was on (being the opportunist that I am, and noticed she had left her players card in the machine. Just THAT day, she had racked up almost 2,000 points!!!! She had over 100,000 total. This woman had obviously been there all day, and perhaps wasnt doing so well. I had never seen a Casino Host basically STOP a player from playing by suggesting they "get some sleep" and something to eat. It was weird.

Did you use up all the points? What did you do with the card?